Central America’s first saint, St. Pedro de San José Betancur (1626-1667) was born a poor shepherd in the Canary Islands. His family lands were seized because of debt, and he worked as an indentured servant until his early adult life when Pedro left his home to travel to Guatemala. His money for the journey ran out long before he arrived. He was destitute when he did arrive and was forced to join the bread line the Franciscan Friars had for the poor. 

In 1655, he joined the Third Order of St Francis. Pedro began to serve the poor, the enslaved, immigrants, abandoned children, anyone that needed him. In 1658 he was given a hut which he made into a hospital for the poor. This small start grew into a shelter for the homeless, a school for the poor, an inn for priests, and several small chapels in poor areas. He was supported by many patrons and was joined in his work by both men and women, who became the Bethlehemite Brothers and the Bethlehemite Sisters. 

Pedro prayed for the souls of those in purgatory, walked through the streets of rich neighborhoods ringing a bell and calling the wealthy to repent, and ministered to prisoners. Most accounts credit him with beginning the tradition of posadas, a procession in which people representing Mary and Joseph ask for lodging from their neighbors. This tradition continues today in Mexico and Central America. Because of his work with the poor and marginalized Pedro is often referred to as the “Saint Frances of the Americas”. St. Pedro was canonized on July 30, 2002, in Guatemala City, Guatemala by Pope John Paul II.